Risky Sexual Behavior, Knowledge on Cervical Cancer and Predictors for PAP Smear uptake among Addis Ababa University Health Science College Female Students, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
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Date
2012-12
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Back ground: Cervical cancer is the most frequent form and leading cause of cancer mortalityamong Ethiopian women, because cancer is often at its advanced stage by the time patients seekhealth care services (1). Pap smear test provides an appropriate way for early detection andprevention if appropriately implemented. However, Pap smear and other cervical cancerscreening tests are under utilized by the legible women mostly because of lack of awareness onthe diseases and the screening tests (13).
Objective: This study was aimed at assessing risky sexual behavior, knowledge on Cervicalcancer and identifying predictors for Pap smear screening test among Addis Ababa universityHealth science college female students using the Health Belief Model .
Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out at Addis Ababa University Health ScienceCollege in June 2012 among 202 female students selected by simple random sampling technique.After the data was coded, entered and cleaned using EpiInfo; SPSS was used for analysis.Association between dependent and independent variables was tested by Cross tabulating thevariables and Binary logistic regression test was performed to identify the major predictors ofPap smear uptake.
Result: Out of 58(28.7%) sexually active respondents, 17(30%) had sex with multiple partnersand 46(79.31%) had never used condom while only 4(6.9%) use condom always during sexualintercourse. The knowledge level of most respondents concerning cervical cancer was identifiedto be low, in which 48(23.8%) and 12(5.9%) were with poor and excellent knowledgerespectively. Year of study [xrespondents[x=64.907; p <0.001] and sexual activity of the=8.021; P= 0.046] were among factors affecting their knowledge level. Pap smearutilization rate was very low 26(12.9%) and the uptake status was found to have association withmarital status [x[x22=10.633; P<0.001], sexually activity [x2=23.934 ; P<0.00 ] and year of study= 31.006; P<0.001]. However, knowledge level was major predictor [OR=10.326 (1.290,82.638)] followed by perceived susceptibility [OR=3.522(1.260, 9.850)] for pap smear uptakestatus.
Conclusion and recommendation: Some students were at high risk of contracting HPV andcervical cancer as they had risky behavioral practices. Most of the students knew less aboutcervical cancer and its screening tests, from which the sexually active and those attending 3year and 4thyear classes were with better understanding. Pap smear uptake was very low whichcould be improved through increasing awareness concerning the disease, Pap smear test as wellas their perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Therefore concerned bodies are recommendedto design and implement effective strategies to improve females’ awareness on cervical cancerand Pap smear test with its utilizationrd
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Sexual behavior,Cervical cancer ,Female students